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POLITICAL PARTIES THE HOUSING CRISIS
With decent housing increasingly beyond most people’s reach, LIZ DAVIES sizes up what the different parties are offering voters

SHELTER says that house prices are now almost seven times average incomes. Repossessions are increasing. Private rented accommodation is often the only option, whether suitable or not.

One-third of private rented homes in England fail to meet the Decent Homes Standard and rents are increasing significantly faster than inflation.

Social housing was originally seen as a right to a decent home, for anyone, regardless of income.

  • Liz Davies is a barrister specialising in housing rights and homelessness law. She is a member of Left Unity and writes this column in a personal capacity.
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